Karandeep-Canada: The Peel Regional Police (PRP) Strategic and Tactical Enforcement Policing (STEP) team has made significant progress in combating gun and gang violence, seizing more than double the number of illegal firearms in 2024 compared to the previous year.
So far this year, the STEP team has removed:
- 53 illegal firearms
- 63 magazines
- 915 rounds of ammunition
Among the seized firearms, 41 have been traced to the United States, and 12 are still being investigated. The STEP team’s efforts have also led to 50 arrests, 461 criminal charges, and 40 drug-related charges.
PRP Chief Nishan Duraiappah praised the team's dedication, saying, “The increase in illegal firearms is a serious threat to public safety, and I commend our officers for their continued work to remove these dangerous weapons from our communities."
While the STEP team has had an exceptional year, their seizures represent only about a quarter of the total firearms taken by PRP in 2024. The police force has seized 205 illegal firearms so far, up from 143 last year, including a record-breaking 71 firearms in June as part of Project Chrome.
“We’re seizing one illegal firearm every 36 hours,” Chief Duraiappah said. “Addressing gun and gang violence is a top priority for us, and the results of the STEP team show the impact of our ongoing investments in policing and safety."
The STEP initiative, which began in 2007 with support from the Ontario government, has received an additional $1.5 million over three years as part of the Gun and Gang strategy. This funding helps reduce gun and gang activity in Mississauga and Brampton.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner expressed support for the police’s efforts, stating, “We will never apologize for supporting proactive programs that enhance public safety.”
The STEP team targets areas with the highest concentrations of gang, firearm, and drug activity, conducting patrols to improve police visibility and foster community safety. Through these efforts, they aim to suppress gang activity and strengthen partnerships with local residents.
Anyone with information about illegal firearms in the region is encouraged to contact the Specialized Enforcement Bureau at (905) 453-2121, extension 3504, or anonymously through Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).